College Costs in Colton, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Colton, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$2,163
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Colton Overview
Population
54,824
Student Population
4,098 (7.5%)
Cost of Living Index
159.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for Colton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$128,216
Total After Financial Aid
$128,216
Annual Cost
$32,054
Annual After Aid
$32,054
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $128,216 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,456 |
| Total Interest | $46,488 |
| Total Loan Cost | $174,704 |
Universities in Colton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Colton State University | Public | $15,054 |
| Colton Community College | Community | $6,731 |
Colton has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Colton vs. National Average
| Category | Colton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,163 | $1,050 | +$1,113 |
| Cost of Living Index | 159.6 | 100 | +59.599999999999994 |
Colton's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Colton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,098 students
Colton has a total population of 54,824, with approximately 4,098 college students (7.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Colton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Colton
$40,869
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~22 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Colton earn a median starting salary of $40,869, which is $5,869 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $128,216 (including room and board), it would take approximately 22 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,838 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
Los Angeles
69 colleges · Avg tuition $13,804
San Diego
68 colleges · Avg tuition $10,911
San Jose
95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
San Francisco
22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
Fresno
37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
Sacramento
38 colleges · Avg tuition $7,488
Long Beach
14 colleges · Avg tuition $4,169
Oakland
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
Bakersfield
18 colleges · Avg tuition $7,309
Anaheim
19 colleges · Avg tuition $6,920
Stockton
27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
Riverside
20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities